ROME–The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) was hosting from Wednesday a photo exhibition at its Headquarters in the Eternal City to acknowledge the generous contributions Gulf countries have made toward humanitarian operations around the world.

The exhibition is taking place on the margins of the first session of theUN agency's Executive Board and was inaugurated by WFP’s Executive Director, David Beasley in the presence of Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and the State of Kuwait.

The photographs displayed portray the humanitarian situations in Yemen, Bangladesh, Jordan and other countries. This exhibition also showcases the impact of food assistance provided to vulnerable people thanks to contributions from the Gulf countries.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the State of Kuwait, are not just donors but true humanitarian partners for WFP. We are working together to strengthen innovation, emergency response, resilience and nutrition with the common aim of serving humanity,” said Mageed Yahia, Director of WFP’s office in GCC. “I believe that when we work together to solve food security issues, we also help in reducing conflicts and unrest.”

With a combined contribution, from KSA, UAE and Kuwait, of more than dlrs 516 million, WFP has been able to support millions of the most vulnerable people with vital food assistance. This includes food rations that are sourced from local traders where possible and cash-based transfers that allow families to purchase their household needs from local supermarkets, providing an important boost to local economies.

WFP continues to focus distributions of food assistance in the countries and areas where food shortages are most severe and where families and children are reliant on humanitarian assistance to meet their basic needs.

The United Nations World Food Programme, saving lives in emergencies and changing lives for millions through sustainable development. WFP works in more than 80 countries around the world, feeding people caught in conflict and disasters, and laying the foundations for a better future.